Sermons on Congregational Autonomy:

Why Do We Have An Invitation Each Week? Series

Contributed by Brent Baker on Oct 18, 2005

We offer invitations each week, but does the congregation know why we do that. This sermon will help in this area.

Why Do We Do What We Do? Why Do We Have an Invitation Each Week? Prior to Lisa and I getting married (and most of you did this as well), we invited as many people as we could to our wedding. We obviously wanted our physical families to be there and to share this special moment. We wanted our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Paul's Advent Prayer For The Thessalonians

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Nov 28, 2003

reflection on a part of Paul’s prayer for his Thessalonian congregation. Nothing flashy here, just straight forward stuff.

November 30, 2003 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Whenever you go through a death in the family, it is obviously a difficult time. Within the past two weeks I’ve had more emotions run through me than trains at Grand Central Station. But as I look back at the two past weeks, I wouldn’t trade those ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Denomination: Lutheran

A Change In Leadership

Contributed by Darrell Coats on Aug 5, 2009

A sermon designed for pastors who are leaving a church and trying to prepare the congregation for the new pastor. An ideal sermon for an interim minister.

A Change of Leadership Deuteronomy 34:1-9 Introduction: A few weeks ago, Cathy and I were driving in the Houston area when we came across a bumper sticker that read, “I’ll keep my money, you keep the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-9, Deuteronomy 34:1-34

Denomination: Methodist

"Jonah, Chapter Four: A Story Of Resentment” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Sep 8, 2010

How is it possible for believers, or even entire congregations to sideline themselves and keep from being part of what God is doing?

Each chapter of Jonah has a story to tell. In chapter one, we read a story of rebellion. In chapter two, we read a story of repentance. In chapter three, we read a story of revival. Now, let’s look to chapter four. (READ TEXT) We would think the story of Jonah would have ended on the high note ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Idol Of Tolerance: Thyatira Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Nov 16, 2009

We will seek to address the question: “how is a congregation to express and practice its faith in the midst of the genuine cultural challenges that it faces?”

American Idols: Looking at Ourselves and Our Loyalties Through the Eyes of Jesus** The Idol of Tolerance: Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29 Sermon Objective: We will seek to address the question: “how is a congregation to express and practice its faith in the midst of the genuine cultural challenges ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Nazarene

What Is That Born Again Stuff? Series

Contributed by Carl Kolb on Jan 3, 2010

Third in a series devoted to "church words." This talks about regeneration in a way most congregants and unbelievers alike can understand.

Those Confusing Church Words Series Ezekiel 36:25-27 What Is That "Born Again" Stuff" Today I’m going to talk about a word that many of you might not be all that familiar with: Regeneration. It’s a word that most unchurched people have never heard of. In fact, many Christians have only ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:25-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

All For One And One For All Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Nov 4, 2007

This message was preached to help our congregation se the beauty of being a church that works together to reach our community for Christ.

“All for One and One for All” Ephesians 4:1-16 If you are a sports fan then there have been plenty of games to watch to keep you busy. The baseball playoffs, the world series coming up. Plenty of football also. Until Thursday night we had the #2 football team in the nation right here in Tampa. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Commandment To Repent, Part One Series

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Sep 1, 2007

This is the first sermon in a series on the New Testmanet meaning and need for repentance. It was first preached in preparation for the congregation receiving Holy Communion.

God’s Commandment to Repent, Part One --Mark 1:14-15 I remember when I was first called to preach my pastor Eugene Black and his successor Mode Powell would often invite me to preach even while I was still in high school or when I would be home from college on a break. Those first attempts were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-15

Denomination: Methodist

The Power Of Music In Worship Series

Contributed by Stephen Schwambach on Jun 18, 2007

This is a tour-de-force of the changes in music styles down through the ages that helps the congregation embrace musical changes in worship.

THE POWER OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP BTCC 10/15/06 Prelude Welcome to our August series on Life-Change! • Two weeks ago: “Life-changing Words” o Last week: “Life-changing Events” • Today: “Life-changing Music” IMAG: MUSIC TESTIMONIES VIDEO Prayer • Thank You for the gift of music! o Please help ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 150:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Parents, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer And Patience

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Jan 27, 2007

A fairly short sermon asking the congregation to pray for parents, to praise God for Jesus, to be open to prophesy, to be regular in prayer and to be patient.

Luke 2: 22 to 40 This is such a lovely all-age event in the life of Jesus. We’ve got a baby (Jesus 2:21), parents (Mary and Joseph 2:22), a man of faith (Simeon 2:25), and a very prayerful and faithful widow (Anna 2:36). The whole event is a reminder to us that children are a gift from God. I was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Anglican

Ministry And Attitude

Contributed by Bruce Gebbeken on Nov 4, 2006

When Jesus confronts his congregation of followers about the truth of physical and spiritual ideas, something really stirs up!

Ministry and Attitude John 6:22-71 Sometimes as church going people we need to stop and look to see what our motivation is. I have many times bent over backwards to accommodate people so that they would be comfortable in our little church. I know some of you have done the same when you are out ...read more

Scripture: John 6:22-71

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Still Speaks Today

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 22, 2008

Prayer is as much about listening as it is about talking to God. This message encourges members of the congregation to participate in small prayer groups.

God Still Speaks Today I Samuel 3:1-10 In First Samuel we find the people of Israel have gone back to their old ways of being indifferent toward their Creator. Their leader at the time was the high priest, Eli, an old man whose eyesight has begun to go bad. Unless something changes Eli will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist

Faith For The Faithful

Contributed by Matthew Morine on May 13, 2008

Most people believe that the leadership of a congregation are the people with the strong faith. This is not always the case. Here is a lesson for the faithful to stay faithful.

FAITH FOR THE FAITHFUL THEME: THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL MUST ADMIT A FAITH WEAKNESS. TEXT: MARK 9:14-29 It seems that in the church those in a leadership position are strong in the faith. The elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers are those who are solid with the faith. This seems to be the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Moving Forward With A Vision

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Mar 24, 2010

This is a sermon preached at our 21st Anniversary as being pastors of our congregation. The goal is to set our eyes on the future.

Moving Forward With A United Vision Joshua 1:1-11 Colosians 2:6-10 Today we celebrate 21 years of ministry together, because 21 years ago a decision was made to move forward with a united vision for the cause of Jesus Christ. For 21 years, Jesus Christ has been our reason for staying ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Suffering Servant

Contributed by Gregory Fisher on Jul 3, 2004

I preach weekly to a congregation that sometimes include Muslims and Hindus who are coming out of curiosity. This is a Christological sermon for sure.

The Suffering Servant Text: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 form for us a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ The Old Testament is full of “Types and Shadows” of what is to come in the New Testament. These “Types and Shadows” were meant to prepare us for the reality that would ...read more

Denomination: Foursquare